A History of KIRA

KIRA first began as an idea in the winter of 1998 as a way of acknowledging the Knowledge Industry in Fredericton. KIRA stood for “Knowledge Industry Recognition and Achievement” Awards and was hosted by Enterprise Fredericton and the Knowledge Industry Task Force (KITF). For the first three years, it was a Fredericton area event. Support for the event was overwhelming – the organizing committee was able to secure enough sponsorship and in-kind contributions to make the event a success. The event was sold out each year. Up until 2003, nomination categories were as follows:

Export-Product

Export-Service

Technological Advancement/Innovation – Private Sector

Employment Growth

Most Promising Start-up

Industry Person of the Year

In 2001, the KITF decided to take the event province wide. Many other knowledge industry-related events were taking place around the province and were considered “province-wide” yet hosted by one Enterprise group. For example, Saint John hosts IT Works and the Miramichi hosts LearnTec. The KITF knew that Knowledge Industry excellence was prevalent in other NB locations along with Fredericton.

As well, at the time the decision was made to go province-wide, it was decided that the acronym “KIRA” would become a trademark word rather than an acronym (much like the “Oscars”). The event is now known, in English and in French, as “KIRA”.

The event was well received as a provincial activity hosted by Enterprise Fredericton and located in Fredericton. Nominations come from across the province as do the award recipients. The event continues grow in popularity and to be sold out each year.

In 2003, KIRA celebrated its 5th anniversary. 2003 also saw the addition of a 7th award category – Technological Advancement/Innovation in the Public Sector.

That year, the new award category had a record number fourteen nominations and Service New Brunswick was the award recipient.

2010 marks the 12th Anniversary of the ever growing KIRA Awards. This year's KIRA promises to be an event not to be missed.


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	A History of KIRA KIRA first began as an idea in the winter of 1998 as a way of acknowledging the Knowledge Industry in Fredericton. KIRA stood for “Knowledge Industry Recognition and Achievement” Awards and was hosted by Enterprise Fredericton and the Knowledge Industry Task Force (KITF). For the first three years, it was a Fredericton area event. Support for the event was overwhelming – the organizing committee was able to secure enough sponsorship and in-kind contributions to make the event a success. The event was sold out each year. Up until 2003, nomination categories were as follows: Export-Product Export-Service Technological Advancement/Innovation – Private Sector Employment Growth Most Promising Start-up Industry Person of the Year In 2001, the KITF decided to take the event province wide. Many other knowledge industry-related events were taking place around the province and were considered “province-wide” yet hosted by one Enterprise group. For example, Saint John hosts IT Works and the Miramichi hosts LearnTec. The KITF knew that Knowledge Industry excellence was prevalent in other NB locations along with Fredericton. As well, at the time the decision was made to go province-wide, it was decided that the acronym “KIRA” would become a trademark word rather than an acronym (much like the “Oscars”). The event is now known, in English and in French, as “KIRA”. The event was well received as a provincial activity hosted by Enterprise Fredericton and located in Fredericton. Nominations come from across the province as do the award recipients. The event continues grow in popularity and to be sold out each year. In 2003, KIRA celebrated its 5th anniversary. 2003 also saw the addition of a 7th award category – Technological Advancement/Innovation in the Public Sector. That year, the new award category had a record number fourteen nominations and Service New Brunswick was the award recipient. 2010 marks the 12th Anniversary of the ever growing KIRA Awards. This year's KIRA promises to be an event not to be missed.
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